Mathematical Thinking as a Predictor of Critical Thinking Dispositions of Pre-service Mathematics Teachers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between mathematics thinking sub-dimensions (higher order thinking, reasoning, mathematical thinking and problem-solving) and critical thinking disposition. In addition, this study investigated whether mathematical thinking sub-dimensions are significant predictors of critical thinking disposition. This research was designed as a correlation type relational survey model. The study group consisted of 181 (73 female and 108 male) pre-service mathematics teachers studying at the Faculty of Education of a state university in the South East Anatolia Region of Turkey. Data were collected through personal information form, “mathematical thinking scale”, and “California critical thinking disposition inventory”. The analysis of data was made with multiple regression analysis. As a result of the study, it was found that there is a significant relationship between critical thinking and higher order thinking, reasoning, mathematical thinking skills and problem-solving sub-dimensions. In addition, the predictors of critical thinking disposition were found to have reasoning, mathematical thinking skills and problem-solving sub-dimensions. Results also illustrated that reasoning; mathematical thinking skills and problem-solving sub-dimensions was a significant predictor of critical thinking dispositions. In this context, the study was discussed in the context of the development of critical thinking of pre-service mathematics teacher. Research results were discussed in the context of the development of mathematical thinking and critical thinking dispositions of pre-service mathematics teachers.